In this Q&A, Richard shares his perspectives on the trends, skills, and strategies shaping the future of leadership consulting.
Welcome to Day 5 of the 12 Days of Boyden series! Today, we feature Richard Waddell, Boyden’s expert in leadership consulting. With over 20 years of experience in executive assessment, team performance, and succession planning, Richard helps organisations enhance leadership effectiveness and build high-performing teams. Drawing on his background in the British Army and as a human capital consultant, he offers actionable insights for businesses navigating today’s complex leadership challenges.
Q: What was a key highlight or achievement in 2024?
Richard: This year was about strengthening our leadership consulting practice and expanding our network. Despite economic challenges, we successfully built robust partnerships and established a strong foundation for long-term growth.
Q: What was the most significant challenge this year?
Richard: Economic uncertainty and market volatility posed significant challenges. Many clients delayed decisions on leadership development initiatives, requiring us to adapt and remain focused on delivering value.
Q: What trends do you believe will define the future?
Richard: The use of AI in leadership assessment and the need to lead across generational differences will be defining trends. Organisations are increasingly leveraging AI to enhance decision-making and adapt to the evolving expectations of younger employees.
Q: What are the most critical skills for executives in 2025?
Richard: A growth mindset, emotional intelligence (EQ), resilience, and the ability to manage and motivate multigenerational teams will be essential. These skills are key to navigating uncertainty and driving sustainable success.
Q: What do you see as the biggest hurdle for executives next year?
Richard: Balancing the push for innovation with economic constraints and evolving regulatory requirements will be a major challenge. Leaders will need to align their strategies to achieve growth while managing risks effectively.
Q: How can companies prepare for these upcoming challenges?
Richard: Organisations should invest in leadership development and seek expert guidance to address gaps in skills or strategy. Working with experienced consultants like Boyden ensures access to the right tools and insights to build resilient teams.
Q: How are hybrid and remote work models impacting approaches to leadership?
Richard: Hybrid and remote models have shifted power dynamics back to organisations, increasing the emphasis on performance and accountability. Leaders must refine their engagement strategies to foster trust and maintain productivity within dispersed teams.
Q: What changes in work models do you anticipate in 2025?
Richard: Hybrid work will remain dominant, but organisations will focus on optimising it—finding innovative ways to balance flexibility with the need for collaboration and cohesion.
Q: What one piece of advice would you give to leaders navigating the challenges ahead?
Richard: Leaders must embrace change and continuously innovate. What worked in the past may no longer suffice—adaptability and a forward-thinking mindset are critical for future success.
Richard’s insights highlight the importance of adaptability, growth mindset, and strategic thinking in leadership consulting. By focusing on these critical skills and understanding emerging trends, companies can build resilient leadership teams capable of navigating the complexities of the modern business landscape.
For organisations looking to enhance their leadership capabilities, Richard’s expertise provides invaluable guidance in shaping the leadership teams of tomorrow.
